Page 20 - Telecom Operator News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Telecom operators in India, the second largest wireless market, would like internet companies to compensate for using their networks, a recommendation they've made to the local regulatory body, echoing a viewpoint that is gaining some momentum in other parts of the world. Jio, India's largest telecom operator with more than 450 million subscribers, recommended to the local regulator that internet companies should be made to "contribute" towards telecom network costs based on the traffic they consume, their turnover and number of users.

Vodafone Idea has paid 10% of its statutory dues to the Department of Telecom (DoT) for the April-June quarter and has assured to pay the remaining amount by the end of September. The company plans to clear about Rs 2,400 crore of dues to the government by September, including license fees and spectrum usage charges.

Industry executives say the proposed need for submitting state-wise data is also challenging as the network architecture is planned telecom circle-wise. Another issue pointed out by the telecom firms is around quality of service (QoS) norms for 5G. The telcos feel that network roll out is under progress, and they can be held accountable as per network roll out obligations.

Vodafone Idea plans to clear about Rs 2,400 crore of dues to the government by September, sources privy to the development said. Vodafone Idea had to pay a licence fee of around Rs 770 crore by July and Rs 1,680 crore as the first instalment for the spectrum it purchased in auctions that were held last year.

Netflix has inked a "first-of-its-kind" deal with Jio Platforms, India's largest telecom operator, to bundle the streaming service with the carrier's two pay-as-you-go plans as the American giant pushes to expand its subscriber base in the key Asian market. A mobile-only Netflix subscription is included in Jio's 1,099 rupees ($13.2) plan, while the 1,499 rupees ($18) plan offers Netflix Basic, both companies announced Friday.